UK Grapes and others

[davholla19 3]

Not grown by me
5T2A0134Grapesv3 by davholla2002, on Flickr

Cypress Pug
(Eupithecia phoeniceata), from UK moths
Cypress Pug Eupithecia phoeniceata
70.159 BF1855

(Rambur, 1834)

Wingspan 18-22 mm.

A relatively recent arrival in Britain, being first recorded in Cornwall in 1959. Since then it has spread along the south coast and northwards to the south Midlands.

The adult moth is quite distinctive and flies in August and September, occasionally earlier.

The larvae feed on Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and other cultivars. They are very well camouflaged, closely resembling a sprig of the foodplant.

5T2A0245Mothv3 by davholla2002, on Flickr

Large Yellow Underwing
(Noctua pronuba)
Wingspan 45-55 mm.

Possibly the most abundant of our larger moths, this species can be found throughout Britain, and numbers are often enhanced by large migratory influxes in the south.

It exhibits a wide range of colour forms and patterns, although the yellow hindwings bordered with black remain pretty constant.

It flies from July to September and is freely attracted to light; often hundreds arriving at the moth-trap in peak season. Occupying a range of habitats, the caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants and grasses.

5T2A0230Mothv2 by davholla2002, on Flickr

Pale Mottled Willow Moth
(Caradrina clavipalpis)
(Scopoli, 1763)

Wingspan 26-35 mm.

A fairly common species over much of the British Isles, this moth shows a distinct mottling to the forewing, with several dark dots along the leading edge, and very white hindwings.

It flies mainly between July and September, but can be found earlier or later in the year.

The caterpillars live on the grain of various cereal crops, including those that have been harvested.

5T2A0215Mothv3 by davholla2002, on Flickr